I've posted some things similar to this in the past, but I just wanted to outline a way for ESPN to essentially control the content of the Power leagues.

It would involve a strategic plan to use both the SEC and PAC to break up the Big 12. The key here is that the PAC is vulnerable. Their network isn't making big money, their markets aren't that interested in college sports, and the size of the league is a disadvantage.

Fortunately for the PAC, the only league in a position geographically to take advantage of their weakness is the Big 12. The Big 12 is in an even weaker position, however.

Step 1: ESPN needs to purchase the PAC Network and the bait here is Texas. That's what the PAC needs badly and they should be willing to work with a network partner more closely given their financial difficulties. So ESPN could buy the PAC Network for a bargain price in exchange for ensuring that Texas goes West.

Once ESPN gets control of the network then they can trim the fat and make it more efficient in operation. They can also use this agreement as leverage to eventually get the full or preponderance of PAC rights. One of the reasons the SEC Network is so successful after all is because content can be exchanged freely between channels.

Step 2: Take the other core members of the Big 12 and park them in the SEC. West Virginia would be a good fit for the ACC, but other than that you need the SEC and PAC to take the majority between them.

Culturally speaking, much of Big 12 territory isn't that different from SEC territory so the two will mesh pretty well together. The meshing would be much more effective than trying to send most of these schools to the PAC.

Step 3: Leverage each network together so that you can get each conference network into more markets.

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SEC takes TCU, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Iowa State, and South Florida

PAC takes Texas, Texas Tech, Houston, and Kansas State

ACC takes West Virginia and UConn

This way, the only one left out is Baylor and I doubt there would be any great political fallout from leaving them on the outside.

While FOX would probably cement their relationship with the B1G to an even greater degree, the key here is setting up the next play.

Step 4: Now that ESPN controls 3/4 of the college football world, there will come a time where the B1G might want to get back into the ESPN family so as to have opportunities to grow. Otherwise, they'll be stuck in limbo to some degree for at least a generation.

There may come a time where it's necessary to break up the ACC in order to lure the B1G in, but controlling the other 3 conferences will make any deal ESPN cuts that much more beneficial because of all the leverage they'll have.